Arbuscular mycorrhiza: the challenge to understand the genetics of the fungal partner.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses occur between fungi and the majority of plant species. They are important for plant nutrition, plant growth, protection from pathogens, plant diversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem processes. A key goal in research is to understand the molecular basis of the establishment, regulation, and functioning of the symbiosis. However, lack of knowledge on the genetics of the fungal side of this association has hindered progress. Here, we show how several key, recently discovered processes concerning the genetics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be essential for ultimately understanding the molecular genetics of this important symbiosis with plants.

Comparison of methods for estimation of needle losses in Scots pine following defoliation by Bupalus piniaria

Abstract

Contrasting tree-ring data with fire record in a pine-dominated landscape in the Komi Republic (Eastern European Russia) : recovering a common climate signal

Abstract

Slits in container wall improve root structure and stem straightness of outplanted Scots pine seedlings

Abstract

Quality and yield of pulpwood in drained peatland forests : pulpwood properties of Scots pine in stands of first commercial thinnings

Abstract

Reduced simple ratio better than NDVI for estimating LAI in Finnish pine and spruce stands

Abstract

Foliar potassium concentrations of bilberry, bog bilberry and downy birch as indicators of potassium nutrition of Scots pine on a drained peatland

Abstract

Thinning response and growth trends of seeded Scots pine stands at the arctic timberline

Abstract

The effect of two bucking methods on Scots pine lumber quality

Abstract

Speciation genetics: reinforcement by shades and hues.

Mating with a member of another species can seriously reduce an organism's fitness, so mechanisms ought to evolve to prevent it where hybridizing species meet. This old idea of 'reinforcement' has found new support in an elegant pair of studies of the ecological genetics of flower colour in an annual herb.

Stem straightness and compression wood in a 22-year-old stand of container-grown Scots pine trees

Abstract

Effects of repeated slash removal in thinned stands on soil chemistry and understorey vegetation

Abstract

Systems Genetics of Metabolism: The Use of the BXD Murine Reference Panel for Multiscalar Integration of Traits.

Metabolic homeostasis is achieved by complex molecular and cellular networks that differ significantly among individuals and are difficult to model with genetically engineered lines of mice optimized to study single gene function. Here, we systematically acquired metabolic phenotypes by using the EUMODIC EMPReSS protocols across a large panel of isogenic but diverse strains of mice (BXD type) to study the genetic control of metabolism. We generated and analyzed 140 classical phenotypes and deposited these in an open-access web service for systems genetics (www.genenetwork.org). Heritability, influence of sex, and genetic modifiers of traits were examined singly and jointly by using quantitative-trait locus (QTL) and expression QTL-mapping methods. Traits and networks were linked to loci encompassing both known variants and novel candidate genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), here linked to hypophosphatasia. The assembled and curated phenotypes provide key resources and exemplars that can be used to dissect complex metabolic traits and disorders.